The UConn Blog
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UConn men’s basketball adds 2027 center commitment Keny Vado
UConn men’s basketball lands its third 2027 commitment as 18‑year‑old French center Keny Vado signs on. The 6‑foot‑10, 7‑foot‑3‑inch wingspan forward, a native of Guadalupe, currently plays for Poitiers in France’s Pro B league and starred for France’s bronze‑medal U18 EuroBasket team last summer. Vado averages 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in the French second division and posted 6.0 points with 1.9 rebounds in EuroBasket play. He joins five‑star guard NaVorro Bowman Jr. and shooting guard Jordan Page, adding depth as a rebounder, screener and rim protector for the Huskies’ frontcourt.
Join us for the 2026-27 UConn basketball season on the SB Nation app
The UConn Blog announces that the SB Nation app is now live for college basketball fans, offering real‑time game chat, faster comment loading, and a unified feed of articles and user posts. The app—available on iOS and Android in North America, with Europe coming soon—has already set single‑day commenting records during the preseason. Fans can follow every play from the Huskies' games, read traditional front‑page articles, or join the community’s live discussions. The post encourages new users to download the app and experience a more interactive game‑day environment.
UConn frontcourt is in the hands of two talented transfers
UConn rebuilds its frontcourt after Tarris Reed goes to the NBA and Eric Reibe transfers to USC, turning to two transfer steals: Seton Hall's Na’Jai Hines and Stanford's Oskar Giltay. Hines, a 6‑foot‑11, 265‑lb former four‑star freshman, posted 11 points and five rebounds in three exhibition games, earning praise from Dan Hurley for his scoring, passing and athleticism despite occasional foul trouble. Giltay, also 6‑foot‑11 at 245 lb, contributed 12 points and four rebounds in 21 minutes against Purdue, showcasing rim protection and high basketball IQ. Both are expected to anchor the post as starters, while Elmir Dzafic joins as a developmental prospect.
UConn men’s basketball 2026-27 prediction roundtable
UConn men’s basketball launches the 2026-27 season against Gardner-Webb, aiming for a fourth Final Four in five years after last season’s loss to Michigan. The blog’s preseason roundtable predicts point guard Silas Demary Jr. as the team MVP and primary playmaker, while newcomers Nik Khamenia and Na’jai Hines are highlighted as scoring and rebounding threats. Freshman Colben Landrew impresses with 12 ppg on 53.8% shooting in preseason, earning a high ceiling as a potential sixth man. Panelists stress that Hines’ development could be the season‑defining factor for the Huskies' championship run.
Preview: UConn vs. Gardner-Webb | NBC Sports-Peacock, 9 p.m. ET
UConn opens its men’s basketball season at 9 p.m. on Nov. 2 in Hartford against Gardner‑Webb, a 4‑29 Big South program now led by third‑year coach Jeremy Luther. The Huskies will test a crowded roster—potential starters Braylon Mullins, Silas Demary Jr., Jayden Ross, Nik Khamenia, Na’jai Hines and bench spark Colben Landrew—while giving freshmen Colben Landrew and Junior County valuable experience. Gardner‑Webb returns guards Ace Talbert and Jacob Hudson and adds transfer forwards Mikhail Pocknett, Jackson Skipper and D‑II scorers DJ Daniel and Seth Brown. The matchup serves as a tune‑up before UConn faces Michigan in Boston, with depth and line‑up experiments expected.
UConn football falls at Air Force 35-26
UConn fell 35-26 to Air Force on Oct. 31, dropping to 4‑4 after the Falcons racked up 366 rushing yards. Air Force QB Kemper Hodges powered the ground game with 200 yards and four touchdowns, while the service academy converted 5 of 6 fourth‑down attempts and held the ball for over 20 minutes in two long drives. UConn’s highlights included a 55‑yard TD pass to TE Alex Godavitarne and a 46‑yard run by Kenji Christian, but a missed extra point and a failed two‑point conversion left them trailing 28‑26. The win gave Air Force its sixth victory and bowl eligibility. Next, UConn visits North Carolina at Rentschler Field.
Four Huskies win 2026 WNBA title with the Golden State Valkyries
Four former UConn stars cap a historic run by clinching the 2026 WNBA championship as the Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7. Gabby Williams erupts for 30 points—28 in the second half—to earn Finals MVP, while Tiffany Hayes (11 points) and Kiah Stokes (8 points, 13 rebounds) contribute 72% of the team’s total. The victory marks Stokes’s fourth title, tying Sue Bird and Maya Moore for most by a Huskie, and continues a seven‑year streak of UConn alumni winning WNBA titles. The win also highlights a breakout year for rookie Kaitlyn Chen, who signed mid‑season and became a fan favorite.
UConn men’s basketball season preview: The returnees
UConn’s men’s basketball preview spotlights the returning core that could drive a fourth Final Four in five seasons. Senior guard Silas Demary Jr., a First‑Team All‑Big East player last year, returns with 10.1 points, 5.9 assists and a triple‑double reputation, poised to lead the offense after Alex Karaban’s departure. Shooter Braylon Mullins also comes back after a 12‑point, 3.5‑rebound freshman year highlighted by a buzzer‑beater against Duke and a key role in the Kansas upset. With brothers Jayden and Jacob Ross, as well as veteran Solo Ball in the mix, Hurley hopes the blend of returnees and new talent will chase title No. 7 in April.
Game Thread: UConn vs. Air Force|3 p.m. on MW+
UConn heads to Colorado Springs on Oct. 31 for the final game of its home‑and‑home series with the Air Force Falcons. The Huskies, fresh off a 35‑16 win over UMass and a 34‑20 road victory at Temple, enter as slight underdogs but boast the nation’s No. 25 rushing attack (203 yards per game) led by Cyncir Bowers and Shamar Porter. Air Force, favored by 1.5 points, grapples with injuries to QB Liam Szarka and Evan Medders, now rotating Josh Johnson and Howard Fisher. The Falcons rank 41st in total defense, allowing 296.4 yards per game. Last season’s 26‑16 Huskie win and recent form set up a tight Mid‑West showdown.
Dan Hurley signs two-year extension with UConn
UConn announced Friday that men’s basketball head coach Dan Hurley has signed a six‑year extension through the 2031‑32 season, keeping him under the terms of his original $50 million, six‑year deal signed in 2024. Hurley enters his ninth season with a 199‑75 record, two national titles and three Final Four appearances in four years, and the Huskies sit No. 4 in the preseason AP poll despite offseason roster turnover. Athletic director David Benedict praised the continuity, and Hurley vowed to maintain UConn’s championship mindset.
UConn vs. Air Force Football: TV info, keys to the game, behind the numbers
UConn (4-3) travels 1,928 miles to face Air Force (5-2) in Colorado Springs on Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. EST. The Falcons, favored by 1.5 points, rely on a triple‑option rush that ranks second nationally, but both starting QBs are sidelined, forcing the backup to step in. UConn’s offense, ranked No. 24 in total yards and led by quarterback Kalieb Osborne (19 TDs, 91.3 PFF grade), must contend with the 6,621‑foot altitude and a solid Air Force defense that allows 132.6 rushing yards per game. Key to the Huskies will be disciplined tackling, limiting turnovers, and keeping fresh legs on the field. The game airs on MW+ and SiriusXM 266, with odds set at 51.5 total.
UConn men’s basketball’s vaunted freshmen class looks to be ahead of schedule
UConn’s 2026 freshman class may be small, but it’s already making waves. Five‑star forward Colben Landrew (ranked No. 26 nationally) posted 15 points in the exhibition win over Purdue and is the preseason Big East Freshman of the Year, poised for Sixth Man honors. Guard Junior County, the class’s first commit (No. 46 overall), logged 24 points, six assists and shot 50% from three in three exhibition games, providing a steady secondary ball‑handler for star Silas Demary Jr. Russian wing Egor Amosov, a former Real Madrid U22 MVP, joins as a potential scoring spark off the bench. Together with transfers Nik Khamenia, Na’jai Hines and returning Braylon Mullins, the Huskies look ready to dominate early.
2026-27 Big East preview: Conference title contenders
UConn enters the 2026‑27 season as the preseason favorite to win the Big East, topping the coaches’ poll. Behind them, Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm (KenPom 23) load up on experienced transfers—including former G‑League wing Babacar Sane, ex‑NBA Summer League guard Keyshawn Hall and Baylor scorer Tounde Yessoufou—to challenge for the crown, despite a season‑ending injury to transfer Donnie Freeman. Kevin Willard’s Villanova (KenPom 32) returns a lone starter, Tyler Perkins, but adds five impact transfers and a 7‑foot‑3 freshman dubbed “the Italian Wemby,” Luis Suigo. Marquette (KenPom 34) also banks on NIL‑era transfer savvy. Key matchups: St. John’s vs. UConn (Jan. 29) and Villanova vs. UConn (Feb. 3).
2026-27 Big East preview: The middle of the pack
UConn enters the 2026‑27 season as the Big East preseason favorite, and The UConn Blog breaks down the conference’s middle tier—Providence (No. 5), Xavier (No. 6), Creighton (No. 7) and DePaul (No. 8). Providence’s new boss Bryan Hodgson faces roster turmoil after three players become ineligible, though fresh talent like Elijah Saunders offers hope. Xavier’s second‑year coach Richard Pitino adds a stronger NIL budget and returns key forwards Filip Borovicanin and Jovan Milicevic, plus several transfers. Creighton shifts to Alan Huss, who retains most of Greg McDermott’s roster and adds shot‑blocker Oswin Erhunmwunse and three newcomers. The preview outlines projected lineups and upcoming head‑to‑head dates with UConn.
2026-27 Big East preview: The bottom of the conference
UConn enters the 2026‑27 season as the Big East preseason favorite, but the conference’s lower tier could surprise. Seton Hall, ranked No. 9 (KenPom 64), leans heavily on nine transfers—including shot‑blocker Devin Williams and Power‑5 prospects Simeon Wilcher and Mihailo Petrovic—with coach Shaheen Holloway hoping to spark offense off a stout defense. Georgetown (No. 10, KenPom 75) returns a transfer‑loaded backcourt and adds eligibility for big man Vince Iwuchukwu, yet depth remains a concern under Ed Cooley. Butler (No. 11, KenPom 88) swaps veteran coach Thad Matta for Ronald Nored, counting on veterans Jalen Jackson and new sharpshooter Eduardo Klafke to stave off the conference basement. All three teams face UConn in January‑February matchups that could define their seasons.
2026-27 UConn men’s basketball season preview
The UConn Blog previews the 2026-27 UConn men’s basketball season, spotlighting head coach Dan Hurley’s leadership as he prepares the Huskies for a challenging Big East slate. The article highlights three key takeaways for UConn’s top December opponents and three marquee matchups in November, offering insights into the schedule, key players, and pivotal games that could shape the Huskies’ title run.
Three things to know about UConn men’s basketball’s top December opponents
UConn’s 2026‑27 non‑conference slate pits the Huskies against a brutal December gauntlet, starting with No. 3 Illinois on Dec. 4 at the United Center and followed by No. 17 Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 12. Illinois brings a potent five‑man offense led by 6‑foot‑9 sophomore David Mirkovic (35% three‑point shooter) and sharpshooting brothers Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, plus dynamic guard Stefan Vaaks and freshman Quentin Coleman. Kansas returns with seasoned veterans, a Purdue transfer (Trey Kaufman‑Renn), and fresh talent like top prospect Tyran Stokes after resolving eligibility questions. Both matchups test UConn’s depth and defensive adaptability ahead of an otherwise stacked schedule.
Three things to know about UConn men’s basketball’s marquee November opponents
UConn’s 2026‑27 non‑conference slate is a gauntlet, featuring six top‑20 teams before 2027. The Huskies open the season against No. 16 Michigan on Nov. 6, a rematch of the 2026 Final Four where point guard Elliot Cadeau starred. Michigan returns with Cadeau and a refreshed supporting cast despite the loss of five‑star freshman Brandon McCoy. Next on the road is No. 5 Arizona on Nov. 18, whose trio of All‑American‑caliber players—big man Motiejus Krivas, wing Ivan Kharchenkov and forward Holt—promise a high‑floor attack. The blog breaks the schedule into November and December matchups, highlighting the challenges and key players UConn must navigate to preserve its championship pedigree.
No. 4 UConn disassembles Purdue, 76-53
Ranked No. 4, UConn crushes Purdue 76‑53 in its final preseason game. Freshman Colben Landrew leads with 15 points, while Jayden Ross (13) and Oskar Giltay (12, two blocks) add firepower. The Huskies dominate the paint, out‑rebounding Purdue 38‑22 and forcing 9 steals that yield 18 transition points. Purdue shoots a dismal 2‑25 from three and 6‑21 overall in the frontcourt. Backup Braylon Mullins returns from knee surgery with seven points. UConn’s 32.8% shooting and 0.803 points per possession underscore a physically superior performance as they gear up for their season opener on Nov. 2.
What to watch for in UConn men’s basketball’s final exhibition vs. Purdue
UConn wraps its exhibition season with a showdown against Purdue at PeoplesBank Arena on Oct. 27. Both squads sit 2‑0, with UConn fresh off wins over Syracuse and No. 6 Michigan State and Purdue beating Ball State and Purdue Fort Wayne. Coach Dan Hurley will finally debut sophomore guard Braylon Mullins, who returns from injury on limited minutes and could boost his 2027 NBA Draft stock. The key lineup battle pits veteran guard Jayden Ross against newcomer Colben Landrew for the final starter spot. Frontcourt focus shifts to UConn’s duo of Na’jai Hines and Oskar Giltay versus Purdue’s 7‑ft‑4 Daniel Jacobsen and other towering bigs. The game streams on UConn+ and airs locally on WFSB at 7 p.m.
UConn tops UMass, 35-16
UConn Huskies beat UMass Minutemen 35-16 on Oct. 24, extending their winning streak over the Minutemen to four games. Quarterback Kalieb Osborne threw for 173 yards, two touchdowns and added an 81‑yard rush, while Cyncir Bowers contributed 132 rushing yards and two long scores. The defense limited UMass to just 53 rushing yards and forced nine straight scoreless possessions. UMass rookie QB William “Pop” Watson threw for 205 yards and a late touchdown, but couldn’t overcome the deficit. The win sets up UConn’s next matchup against Air Force on Oct. 31 at 3 p.m., televised on Mountain West Plus.
Game Thread: UMass vs. UConn|7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network
UConn hosts UMass at 7 p.m. on CBS Sports Network, extending a New England rivalry in which the Huskies have won three straight since 2019. Coming off a 34‑20 win over Temple, UConn enters as a 14.5‑point favorite after previously covering the spread as a +3.5 underdog. UMass, fresh off a 25‑18 overtime loss to Buffalo, hopes quarterback William “Pop” Watson III returns from injury to revive a three‑game skid. Backup Logan Inagawa showed dual‑threat ability with 168 passing yards, a TD and 66 rushing yards last week. The Minutemen rank 47th nationally in defense, surrendering 21 points per game, while linebacker Timmy Hinspeter leads with 64 tackles.
UMass vs. UConn Football: TV info, keys to the game, behind the numbers
UConn (3-3, Independent) hosts MAC rival UMass (4-3) Friday night at Pratt & Whitney Stadium, with the game on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. EST. UConn enters as 14.5‑point favorites and holds a 5‑2 edge in the 79‑year series, winning the last three meetings. The Huskies boast a No. 29 offense (35.7 PPG) and a solid run defense (116 YPG), while the Minutemen rely on QB Pop Watson III, who is cleared to play after an ankle injury and has rushed for 167 yards and four TDs this season. Key to the game: UConn must tighten its secondary and pass rush, and UMass must contain Watson’s dual threat. Odds list the over/under at 49.5.
Sarah Strong named AP Preseason All-American
Junior Sarah Strong, the 2026 consensus National Player of the Year, earns a spot on the AP Preseason All‑American team after receiving 30 of 31 votes. The UConn star posted 18.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 1.6 blocks last season, snagging Big East Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors and every major national player award. With Azzi Fudd heading to the WNBA, Strong steps up, already averaging 21 points in two preseason games. UConn enters the season ranked No. 2, with its next preseason contest versus Army before opening against Cornell on Nov. 2.
M&T Bank purchases naming rights to Gampel Pavilion
UConn announces that Harry A. Gampel Pavilion will be renamed M&T Bank Center at Gampel Pavilion after a 20‑year, $32.5 million naming‑rights deal with the Buffalo‑based bank. The agreement, approved by the Board of Trustees, makes M&T the exclusive banking sponsor across all UConn campuses, adds NIL support for athletes, and backs key university events. While the historic arena celebrates 36 years of memorable basketball, the sponsorship mirrors similar college‑sports deals and provides a vital revenue stream as competition costs rise.
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